Sunday, 27 November 2011

Joint hypermobility

Take a look at the picture in this post taken from this link describing joint hypermobility on the NHS Choices website. Notice the unusual orientation of the thumb in the picture, something that most of us would be unable to do without at least having a rather painful broken thumb. This is one example of joint hypermobility, where joints are able to stretch further than normal.

Source: NHS Choices website

I don't know about you but I had several contortionists in the making in my classes at school. Kids who were pretty well versed in showing off their hypermobile joints (often to the detriment of us not so talented children). Not surprisingly these were probably the same kids who easily perfected 'the caterpillar' and similar electric boogaloo moves whilst the rest of us ended up just doin' the slug.

It is probably not surprising that quite a few of the population possess at least one hypermobile joint party trick. Indeed joint laxity or double-jointedness, as it is also (rightly or wrongly) called, seems to be present in an estimated 10-20% of people, mostly without causing any problems. But that is not to say that such suppleness is not without cost in some cases, where joint hypermobility can be linked with pain and other symptoms in some cases to form joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS). Diagnosing JHS is a relatively straight-forward process given the availability of information such as the Brighton criteria although there is still some discussion on the recognition and acceptance of JHS.

Although perhaps an unusual relationship, it has long been known that patients with JHS also present with a variety of other symptoms not necessarily connected to musculoskeletal symptoms. This paper highlighted a range of symptoms stretching (pardon the wordplay) from cardio-respiratory to gastrointestinal (GI) to other effects like migraine and sleep disturbances. My eye was immediately drawn to the GI issues suggested to be associated with JHS primarily because JHS is a disorder of connective tissue. Under such a broad heading, some (like this paper) have suggested a possible link between JHS and functional bowel problems of unexplained origin. Moving further into the GI-JHS link, a recent paper also asked a few questions about screening for coeliac (celiac) disease in cases of JHS (linked also to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome).

For quite a few years now, there have been rumblings about a possible connection between joint hypermobility and some cases of autism; that is children and adults with autism who seem to be very, very supple. Without trying to make any judgments, UK readers might remember a very nimble young chap with autism who did very well on Britain's Got Talent (quite the photo I am sure you will agree).

Searching the published scientific literature all I have been able to find is the odd case study like this one suggestive of an 'association' in individual cases of rare genetic findings. I note however that joint hypermobility has not yet been explored in a more population-wide systematic way for autism spectrum conditions so reports remain anecdotal.

Like what you see here? Help us make a difference to the lives of people with autism @ ESPA Research

Twitter Feed

The Autism Food Club

Translate

Questioning Answers

About Me

I have been involved in autism research for more years than I care to remember. My Questioning Answers blog (http://questioning-answers.blogspot.com/) is a place to describe and discuss various research into autism spectrum and related conditions. My Gutness Gracious Me blog (http://gutness-gracious-me.blogspot.com/) is for discussions on various gastrointestinal research. I make no recommendations, I am not giving any medical advice, I am not formulating any specific opinions and do not want to get into any ethical, political or religious debates. I am not trying to change anyone's opinions, views, beliefs or anything else. These are purely blogs about science and research in autism and a few other interesting things. Any posts I make are my own opinions and not reflective of any organisation I am affiliated to. Keep in mind that science deals with probabilities not absolutes.

ABOUT AUTISM SPECTRUM CONDITIONS

Autism or autism spectrum conditions describe several presentations characterised by core issues with social affect and stereotyped or repetitive actions. Diagnosis is made by observation and analysis of developmental history. These are heterogeneous conditions which can carry various co-morbidities and whilst described as life-long are affected by age and maturation. Autism means different things to different people. To some it means a need for life-long support. To others it is part of the varied tapestry of humanity. To all it means a need to foster a welcoming society with appropriate support and opportunities.